Ever-evolving Luminaria heads for SAMA area

La Villita is lit with artwork from Charles Harriso-Pompa as Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

La Villita is lit with artwork from Charles Harriso-Pompa as Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel /San Antonio Express-News

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"Alumbramiento" gathers spectators for a program which depicts for stages of existence - birth, abyss, destruction and rebirth as Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

"Alumbramiento" gathers spectators for a program which depicts for stages of existence - birth, abyss, destruction and rebirth as Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel /San Antonio Express-News

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Kathy Armstrong has been named director of Luminaria.

Kathy Armstrong has been named director of Luminaria.

Photo: Fred Gonzales /Courtesy Photo

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Kathy Armstrong in front of Luminaria’s new office located at 1001 Broadway. Armstrong is the event’s first full-time director. Luminaria is a San Antonio art festival that takes place in October.

Kathy Armstrong in front of Luminaria’s new office located at 1001 Broadway. Armstrong is the event’s first full-time director. Luminaria is a San Antonio art festival that takes place in October.

Photo: John Davenport /San Antonio Express-News

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Luminaria visitors appear to be observed by a Joey Fauerso video screening on the River Walk Plaza at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in 2014.

Luminaria visitors appear to be observed by a Joey Fauerso video screening on the River Walk Plaza at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in 2014.

Photo: Jim Kiest /Express-News Staff

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Graffiti artist Nik Soupe looks over his work and the work of his collaborator, artist Shek Vega during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Graffiti artist Nik Soupe looks over his work and the work of his collaborator, artist Shek Vega during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Photo: Matthew Busch /For The Express-News

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Michele Valadez and her son Isaac Valadez, left, and Isabel Valadez, right, sit on the colorful hammocks that were part of an art installation during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014. less

Michele Valadez and her son Isaac Valadez, left, and Isabel Valadez, right, sit on the colorful hammocks that were part of an art installation during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch /

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Spectators watch an art installation on the side of Tobin Center for Performing Arts during Luminaria in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Spectators watch an art installation on the side of Tobin Center for Performing Arts during Luminaria in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Photo: Matthew Busch /For The Express-News

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Kendra Erskine, left, and Cassie Rubio take a selfie next to a wall with Luminaria's design pasted on it during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Kendra Erskine, left, and Cassie Rubio take a selfie next to a wall with Luminaria's design pasted on it during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

The Date Farmers -- California-based collaborators Armando Lerma and Carlos Ramirez -- are bringing their blend of various media to Luminaria.

The Date Farmers -- California-based collaborators Armando Lerma and Carlos Ramirez -- are bringing their blend of various media to Luminaria.

Photo: Courtesy Luminaria

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Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel /San Antonio Express-News

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Kathy Armstrong
is Luminaria’s first full-time executive director.

Kathy Armstrong
is Luminaria’s first full-time executive director.

Photo: John Davenport /San Antonio Express-News

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Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

Photo: Tom Reel /San Antonio Express-News

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A video showing indigenous and mestizo people of Texas is projected on the Alamo shrine during "Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antoinio," on Saturday, March 14, 2009. The video was part of a artistic piece entitled "Enlight Tent" by Vaago Weiland and Laura Varela BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net less

A video showing indigenous and mestizo people of Texas is projected on the Alamo shrine during "Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antoinio," on Saturday, March 14, 2009. The video was part of a artistic piece ... more

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, STAFF / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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A view of Alamo plaza during the Luminaria Festival downtown San Antonio, Saturday night, March 14, 2009.

A view of Alamo plaza during the Luminaria Festival downtown San Antonio, Saturday night, March 14, 2009.

Photo: Jennifer Whitney / San Antonio Express-News

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FOR METRO - Donald "Blaze" Martinez of the group Brothers of the Flame performs during Luminaria 2011 Arts Come to Light Saturday March 12, 2011 in Hemisfair Park. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) less

FOR METRO - Donald "Blaze" Martinez of the group Brothers of the Flame performs during Luminaria 2011 Arts Come to Light Saturday March 12, 2011 in Hemisfair Park. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ... more

Joel Dilley and the New World Ensemble's drummer Lloyd Herrman performs with the group during Luminaria 2011 Arts Come to Light Saturday March 12, 2011 in Hemisfair Park. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) less

Joel Dilley and the New World Ensemble's drummer Lloyd Herrman performs with the group during Luminaria 2011 Arts Come to Light Saturday March 12, 2011 in Hemisfair Park. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ... more

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, STAFF / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Jessy Camarillo and her son, Austin Torres, examine a piece by UTSA arthitectural students during Luminaria - Arts Come to the Light, in Hemisfair Park on Saturday, March 12, 2011. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net less

Jessy Camarillo and her son, Austin Torres, examine a piece by UTSA arthitectural students during Luminaria - Arts Come to the Light, in Hemisfair Park on Saturday, March 12, 2011. BILLY CALZADA / ... more

FOR METRO - Some of the 300 Taiwanese paper lanterns float past the Tower of the Americas during Luminaria 2011 Arts Come to Light Saturday March 12, 2011 in Hemisfair Park. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) less

FOR METRO - Some of the 300 Taiwanese paper lanterns float past the Tower of the Americas during Luminaria 2011 Arts Come to Light Saturday March 12, 2011 in Hemisfair Park. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ... more

Chinese lanterns light up the sky during the closing ceremonies for Luminaria 2012 in Hemisfair Park on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

Chinese lanterns light up the sky during the closing ceremonies for Luminaria 2012 in Hemisfair Park on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, STAFF / San Antonio Express-News

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Spectators watch as artists Nik Soupe and Shek Vega complete their work on a two-story building during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Spectators watch as artists Nik Soupe and Shek Vega complete their work on a two-story building during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Photo: Matthew Busch, Freelancer / For The Express-News

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Michele Valadez and her son Isaac Valadez, left, and Isabel Valadez, right, sit on the colorful hammocks that were part of an art installation during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014. less

Michele Valadez and her son Isaac Valadez, left, and Isabel Valadez, right, sit on the colorful hammocks that were part of an art installation during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, Freelancer

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Spectators watch an art installation on the side of Tobin Center for Performing Arts during Luminaria in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Spectators watch an art installation on the side of Tobin Center for Performing Arts during Luminaria in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Photo: Matthew Busch, Freelancer / For The Express-News

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Glass metal artist Jake Zollie Harper II of Zollie Glass Studio heats a glass skull during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Glass metal artist Jake Zollie Harper II of Zollie Glass Studio heats a glass skull during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Photo: Matthew Busch, Freelancer / For The Express-News

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Sam Palacios, second right, and his girlfriend Ashley Stubbs, third right, stand in the crowd and watch as glass artists shape pieces during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on Friday, November 7, 2014. less

Sam Palacios, second right, and his girlfriend Ashley Stubbs, third right, stand in the crowd and watch as glass artists shape pieces during Luminaria near the Tobin Center for Performing Arts in San Antonio on ... more

Photo: Matthew Busch, Freelancer

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Patrick Ware lights a candle at the St. Louis Catholic Church cemetery in Castroville, in celebrations of All Soul's Day Mass, Sunday, Nov 2, 2014. A Mass was held in honor of those who passed away the previous year. After the service, volunteers lighted 2,500 luminarias. less

Patrick Ware lights a candle at the St. Louis Catholic Church cemetery in Castroville, in celebrations of All Soul's Day Mass, Sunday, Nov 2, 2014. A Mass was held in honor of those who passed away the previous ... more

Photo: JERRY LARA, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Spectators walk in front of a display called "Selectric Dreams" created by Han/Kimura as Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

Spectators walk in front of a display called "Selectric Dreams" created by Han/Kimura as Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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An unnamed creation by Bill Strother and Tim Graves captures the attention of passersby as Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

An unnamed creation by Bill Strother and Tim Graves captures the attention of passersby as Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Kids produce their own artwork in a fence with translucent cups as Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

Kids produce their own artwork in a fence with translucent cups as Luminaria is held in downtown San Antonio on March 9, 2013.

Photo: TOM REEL, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

Ever-evolving Luminaria heads for SAMA area

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The Luminaria arts event has some big changes for 2015. Here’s the breakdown: is breaking

The eighth edition of the ever-evolving arts blow-out — slated for Oct. 23-24 — boasts a new footprint now by the San Antonio Musuem of Art, as well as its first office and first full-time director. Other changes include a catalog of the artists and a series of events designed to increase Luminaria’s scope beyond a couple of nights.

“It is important for all of us that San Antonio becomes enriched by Luminaria, that it’s not a one-night arts festival, that it impacts your life, whether it’s through that weekend or through that week,” said Executive Director Kathy Armstrong. “We are looking to build a more year-round presence with Luminaria.”

In looking at what changes needed to be made this year, Armstrong and her team took a look at last year’s event, making sure to address complaints about the lack of an open call for artists’ proposals and difficulty in navigating the footprint. They also reviewed the 2013 strategic plan drawn up by New York-based Dissident Industries.

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Hiring a full-time director, rather than continuing to have it run by artists and administrators who were also balancing full-time jobs, was among the recommendations in the plan.

Armstrong, formerly director of exhibitions at the Southwest School of Art, has been in the post for two months. She is not a Luminaria newbie, though: She was a curator in 2011 and an associate director in 2013. And SSA fell within the footprint for last year’s event.

She is contracted to lead Luminaria for three years, allowing her to do long-range planning, which was impossible in the past.

“This is the next level,” said Ethel Shipton, who shepherded last year’s Luminaria and is back as production manager this time around.

Another suggestion in the strategic plan was to alter the footprint. Last year, Luminaria moved from HemisFair Park to an area around the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. This will be the first year that the event will radiate around SAMA, including Maverick Park and Jones Avenue. No decision has been made yet as to whether works will be on the River Walk, though Armstrong noted there already is a sound installation in place in a stretch near The Luxury restaurant, across the river from SAMA.

Making SAMA a hub of the event “seemed like a perfect fit,” said Anna Stothart, SAMA curator of modern and contemporary art. “Not only because we have such a large footprint ourselves, but also because it gives us an opportunity to engage with Luminaria, which has such an important history in San Antonio, as does SAMA. It brings those two things together.”

Music & Stage

The museum will be open throughout Luminaria, partly in hopes that some people who have never set foot inside will seize the opportunity to check it out. Among the offerings will be “28 Chinese,” a massive exhibit of works by contemporary Chinese artists that will be on display in three galleries.

In addition, there will be installations and other works created expressly for Luminaria throughout the museum grounds.

“It’s an opportunity for people to see the new show and see the way that our campus can be used by having stages and performances and work scattered throughout,” said Stothart, who also served on Luminaria’s artistic advisory committee. “And, for me, as a new curator with an interest in site-specific installations, it’s a way to test out the ways to use our campus. We get to try all these different things in two nights and see how people respond to it.”

The nearby Luminaria office, 1001 Broadway just south of Jones, is smack-dab in the middle of the new footprint. That has allowed Armstrong and the rest of the team to get to know the area inside and out and proved helpful during meetings of the artistic advisory committee.

“If we had a question (about the site), Kathy would say, ‘Let’s walk over there and check it out,’” said Marisela Barrera, a theater artist who served on the committee.

It has also allowed event organizers to connect with their neighbors well before streets are closed and crowds descend.

“Artistically, I get to know what might work with a proposal, but also the neighbors. What’s their comfort level?,” Armstrong said. “One of our interns’ jobs was to deliver a letter to all the neighbors to let them know what’s happening. We’re getting a really good response.”

In the case of Overland Partners Architects, which is based within the footprint across the street from The Luxury on Jones, the response included a proposal to take an active role in the event.

“We’re very enthusiastic about it,” said Communications Director Ana Calhoun. “We want to do anything we can to promote downtown and the arts within San Antonio.”

If the firm gets to go-ahead for its proposal, its contribution to the event will be in the Overland Partners courtyard.

“We considered multiple locations along the footprint, but this is a space that we live in every day,” Calhoun said. “It was something that we felt we could bring something special to.”

Keeping the neighborhood in the loop is just one part of Armstrong’s communication plan. This will be the first time that a Luminaria catalog will be produced and sold. She is hoping that it will be ready to go in advance of Luminaria to give people some time to plan their visit.

It will also serve as a souvenir.

“That will be your keepsake piece so that you can remember who you saw, and you can have their websites to go get more information,” Armstrong said.

The catalog won’t be the only element that rolls out ahead of the 10 hours of Luminaria proper. There will be intimate luncheons with some artists on Oct. 24, and there will be workshops in the week leading up to the event. The luncheons and the workshops will be ticketed.

The idea is to make Luminaria “a more meaningful experience,” Armstrong said. “It expands your involvement with it; your whole life will be impacted.”

This year marks the return of the open call, which was missing last year. About 120 completed proposals were submitted, Armstrong said. Most of the final lineup — about 50 individual artists and groups — came from those proposals.

Armstrong hopes to announce the complete list of artists next month, after details have been nailed down. Barrera said she was impressed by what she found in the proposals.

“It was a really interesting snapshot of the scene right now,” Barrera said. “I also learned about new artists and what’s happening in all disciplines, which was a really neat experience.”

A handful of artists were invited to take part, including visual artist John Hernandez; the arts collective Mas Rudas; Miguel Gutierrez, who blends performance art and experimental dance; multimedia artist Guillermo Gomez-Peña; musician Chrysta Bell; musician and designer Stephen O’Malley; filmmaker and actor Ari Gold; and contemporary dance company Oui Danse. The city’s International Relations Office also is bringing in some artists from Gwangju, South Korea, which is one of San Antonio’s sister cities, to take part.

And playwright Virginia Grise and multidisciplinary performance artist Rafa Esparza will spend the week leading up to Luminaria in residence, collaborating on a site-specific piece that will debut that weekend. The rehearsals will be open, Grise said, giving San Antonians a chance to watch a little bit of the process that guides the final product.

“All of the artists are going to be producing new works for Luminaria or they will (be presenting) Texas premieres,” Armstrong said. “Some musical acts may perform pieces you’ve heard, but they will be signature pieces.”

The event will mark a reunion for the women of Mas Rudas, who have spent the past year and a half focusing mostly on their solo work. They still are working out precisely what they will do, said member Mari Hernandez.

“A lot of the work that we do can be political and make people uncomfortable,” she said. “We’re considering the (Luminaria) audience. It’s family-friendly, and we want to try and create something that is going to engage the audience.

“We’re very excited to be invited.”

There have been themes in years past, but there isn’t one this time around. The idea was kicked around a bit, Armstrong said, but was dismissed.

“Why would we be asking artists to fit a theme when their best work comes from their passions?” she said. “And we thought, naturally, some themes will evolve.”

That is precisely what happened when the team started sifting through proposals. Several artists had projects that involved environmental issues and the river, and several projects revolved around the history of the city.

If all goes according to plan, there will be plenty of surprises.

“Luminaria really should excite everybody who comes,” Armstrong said. “The people who are within the art field are going to see something new from the artists that they love, and they’re going to see how they’ve stretched and pushed. And for our larger San Antonio audience, who may love reggae music, they’re going to come just to test it out and then they might find out that they also love modern jazz or dance.